Help An International Malagasy Student Reunite with Family

Hello! My name is Eliso Morazara. I’m a student from Madagascar, studying Computer Science at Lafayette College, and it’s been 2 years since I last saw my family. I need to go home this winter break. I’m afraid that if I wait any longer, something might happen, and that I would only return for a funeral.

When I was 13, my grandpa asked me to visit him in the village. I didn’t go because I thought I’d have a better time later in the summer. But that same weekend, he passed away. It’s my biggest regret in life, especially because I traveled to the village for his funeral the next day. I want to make sure I don’t make the same mistake again — I want to see my family while I still can.

Last spring, my startup idea won first place in the Dyer Center Big Idea Pitch Competition. Lafayette gave me and the team I recruited a stipend to work on it full-time over the summer. However, my share of the stipend is all gone. It went to cover housing, food, helping my parents, and paying for my grandma's eye surgery. Now I have nothing left in my bank account.

I’m asking for any help to make this trip possible. I’ll be using these funds for plane tickets, transportation from and to the airport. Anything you can give would make a huge difference to me and my community.

When I last went home, I was greeted with an incredible reception from my village. I had the chance to speak to about 200 people near the village square and another 150 at the local high school. When I talk to them, I focus on five main points—four for the youth and one for the parents and elders:

To the youth:

1- The people of Milanoa are smart and capable. We should be proud and have hope.

2- If you want to be successful, you need to respect your elders and those with knowledge. We must be humble and open to learning.

3- Learning how to speak English will open more doors than one can imagine.

4- Have pride in our village, and make Milanoa proud.

To the parents: I urge them to let their kids go to school and learn, and to support them however they can.

Thank you so much for your donation!